Graduate Diploma Counselling Full Time

Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution

at University of Melbourne · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

075331E

CRICOS provider code

00116K

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

26 weeks

Tuition (whole course)

A$30,496 total

Per year

A$60,992/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution at the University of Melbourne equips students with advanced skills in negotiation, mediation, and conflict management applicable to a wide range of professional contexts. Situated in the dynamic city of Melbourne, this public higher education provider offers a comprehensive programme covering key theory and practical strategies in dispute resolution. The curriculum is designed to address complex issues across legal, business, community, and counselling settings, ensuring graduates are adept at resolving conflicts constructively.

This graduate diploma is structured over 26 weeks and consists of a series of units of study, with each unit contributing to the total credit points required for successful completion. Students encounter core topics such as alternative dispute resolution, negotiation techniques, and ethical considerations in professional practice. The course may include simulation exercises, case studies, and opportunities for practical reflection, which often support the development of real-world competencies valued by Australian employers.

Graduates develop strong analytical, communication, and facilitation abilities. The course is suitable for professionals seeking to specialise in dispute resolution or for those who wish to incorporate best practices into their roles in counselling, law, management, or public service. The programme is well-placed in the Australian context, drawing on industry connections and occupational standards, and can contribute to professional development or lay the groundwork for further study.

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency, with commonly accepted qualifications such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced. While undertaking the course, students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight in Australia and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-graduation. Prospective students should confirm programme and visa details on the official university and government pages.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Mediator in community, family, workplace or organisational settings
Conflict resolution specialist in government departments
Human resources advisor focusing on grievance and dispute management
Consultant in negotiation and facilitation roles
Advisor in law firms or legal aid services
Case manager for alternative dispute resolution services in Australia’s legal, health, and education sectors

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution at University of Melbourne?

It typically takes 26 weeks, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$30,496 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Mediator in community, family, workplace or organisational settingsConflict resolution specialist in government departmentsHuman resources advisor focusing on grievance and dispute managementConsultant in negotiation and facilitation rolesAdvisor in law firms or legal aid service...

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